This blog describes and tracks an annual study abroad program for occupational therapy students and occupational therapists to Ghana, West Africa. The program is run through the department of occupational therapy in the school of Allied Health Professions at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Starting with Service

If I have been of service, if I have glimpsed more of the nature and essence of ultimate good, if I am inspired to reach wider horizons of thought and action, if I am at peace with myself, it has been a successful day.

-Alex Noble

Previous VCU groups that have worked in Ghana have spent the majority of their trip doing service projects with Sovereign Global Missions; primarily working on clearning the grounds and literally building the child development center in the village of Adoteimen. I thought from the beginning that service should be part of our trip, but I wanted also to make sure that this experience was more of a course/learning experience than purely a service trip. So we decided to spend the first two days in Ghana painting the school/child development center at the SGM complex. Under the guidance of professional painters from the town, we were able to get 1-2 coats on both the inside and outside surfaces of the school. Now, I have to say that what sticks in my mind most about the experience was how HOT it was and how I don't think I have ever been quite that dirty in my life! But, I also think that working with the painters and becoming a part of the history of the development of this center was one of the most personally rewarding experiences of the trip. I also think that this initial work helped our group to bond and work together as a team in an area unrelated to OT. I hope that future groups of students can continue to be a part of the development of this center and I will be sure to include service work into future trips. Here are some pics of the center and our painting team:

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About Me

I am an associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. I lead an annual study abroad trip to Ghana with occupational therapy students and clinicians. Part of their assignment is to blog about their experiences before, during and after the trip. I have set up this blog to 1) reflect on this course and what I want us to accomplish as OT's in Ghana and 2) to share our experiences with others interested in working in Ghana or other developing countries.